Pools are a fun and refreshing addition to many homes, but they can also pose a significant safety hazard. If you want to keep your children and pets safe around your pool, there are a few things you can do.
One of the most important things is to ensure that your children and pets know how to get out of the pool safely. Whether they are old or young, teaching them how to exit the pool can save their life.
Install a Fence
When it comes to keeping children and pets safe around your pool, a fence is one of the most important steps you can take. This can help prevent water-related injuries and even save lives.
There are several different kinds of fences that are available to suit your needs, from chain link to picket and wrought iron. These can make your backyard look lovely as well as keep your children and pets safe from unsupervised swimming accidents.
If you’re planning to install a fence, you should check with your local codes. You may also need to obtain a building permit.
A safety fence should be positioned away from the water’s edge, so that swimmers have room to get out and retrieve themselves or other people from the pool. It should not be closer than 20 inches.
Install a Pool Alarm
If you have children or pets, pool alarms are an important safety precaution. They alert you when an unsupervised child or pet enters the pool area.
One type of alarm uses infrared or laser beams to detect movement. Others sound off when someone breaks a magnetic connection–such as opening a door.
Another type of alarm is a wristband-based unit that sounds an audible alarm when your child or pet makes contact with the water. This is a good backup alarm, but it doesn’t replace the need for a more permanent installation.
The PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm is a battery-powered, tamper-proof alarm that works in hot tubs and pools. It’s also easy to install. It needs to be drilled into the surrounding tiles or masonry and then a stabilizing pin secures it in place.
Install a Safety Cover
If you have a pool in your backyard and are concerned about keeping children and pets safe, consider installing a safety cover. This is a heavy-duty mesh or vinyl material that sits over the entire pool.
It can withstand a weight of up to 4,000 pounds, which is significantly more than a traditional winter cover that merely sits on top of the water. This material is anchored into concrete around the pool, not simply held in place by water bags.
This means it will last much longer than a traditional cover, saving you money on replacements over the years.
When ordering your new safety cover, take the time to properly measure your pool. Use the measuring forms that come with your safety cover, which have specific diagrams for each type of pool shape.
Never Leave Children or Pets Unsupervised
When kids are around water, there is no room for error. They can drown in just a few seconds without even calling out for help.
That is why it is so important to never leave children or pets unsupervised in a pool. This is especially true for young children who are learning to swim.
In addition, dogs should always be supervised while they are in and around the pool area. They may not be able to jump in and out of the pool as easily as children do.
If you are going to have a pool, make sure it is surrounded by an appropriate fence. Mesh fencing is preferred. Also, make sure the gates open out from the pool and self-close and self-latch at a height that children cannot reach.
